Understanding Your Response to Stress Any change in your life can lead to stress. This includes even pleasurable activities, such as vacations or new forms of recreation. You can also be in a stressful situation such as a difficult job or a long-term illness of a spouse. If you think you might be experiencing stress, this assessment may help you identify its effects on you. You probably know some of the common signs of stress. They include a pounding heart, sweaty palms, and feeling anxious. But you may...